Voice-Activated Device with Separable Magnetic Base
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current voice-activated electronic devices are limited in their ability to control local and remote electronic devices beyond Internet-based functions and lack a cost-effective, display-screen-independent method to indicate voice input processing status, making them less versatile for smart home and media environments.
Innovation Solution
A voice-activated electronic device with a separable base and planar electrical connector that allows for secure but separable connection via magnetic attraction, enabling eyes-free and hands-free voice interface capabilities to control media and smart home devices, and provide status feedback through LEDs and audible information, while being portable and adaptable to various environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a display screen is added to indicate voice input processing status, then user interface capability is improved, but device cost significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visual indication function from the display screen and implements it through separate LED indicators. This allows the device to provide visual feedback for voice processing status without incorporating a full display screen, thereby reducing cost while maintaining user interface capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED indicators serve multiple functions: indicating voice processing status, providing visual feedback for different operational states, and enabling user awareness without requiring a display screen. This multi-functionality compensates for the absence of a display while keeping costs low.
2Device complexity
If voice-activated device is designed for Internet-based functions only, then device complexity is reduced, but versatility in controlling local and remote devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control system that can both process Internet-based voice functions and control local electronic devices through a unified interface. The device serves multiple roles: voice assistant for Internet services and remote control for local devices, thereby increasing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a docking interface as an intermediary between the voice-activated device and local electronic devices. This docking interface enables communication and control functions, allowing the voice device to act as a mediator that can control both Internet services and local devices through a standardized connection.
3Stability of the object's composition
If base is made permanently fixed, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different environments and portability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the device into separable components: a base portion and an upper portion that can be detached from each other. The base can remain stationary providing stability, while the upper portion can be removed and transported to different environments, thereby achieving both structural stability and environmental adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic connection system where the base and upper portion can be connected or disconnected as needed. This allows the device configuration to adapt to different situations: connected for stable operation, disconnected for portability and environmental adaptation.
4Ease of operation
If magnetic attachment structure is used for separable base, then ease of separation is improved, but connection strength may be insufficient for secure mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic magnetic attachment system that provides strong holding force during normal operation but allows easy separation when needed. The magnetic force maintains secure connection for mounting purposes while enabling simple detachment by overcoming the magnetic attraction, achieving both strong connection and easy separation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to conveniently control multiple electronic devices and access Internet services using voice commands, providing a cost-effective, versatile, and user-friendly interface that integrates seamlessly with smart home and media environments, enhancing usability in various settings.
Implementation Method 1
The base portion and the upper portion are configured to be connected securely and separated through manual manipulation to move the base portion and the upper portion between a separated position and a joined position
Data Source
AI summary
A voice-activated electronic device including a first portion with a first internal surface having a first attachment structure, and a second portion with a second internal surface having a second attachment structure. The first and second internal surfaces have compatible shapes that permit the first and second portions to be moved from a separated position to a joined position, where when the first portion and the second portion are in the joined position the first and second internal surfaces form a nested arrangement. The first and second attachment structures form a secure but separable connection to one another when the first and second portions are in the joined position. The first and second portions are configured to be joined securely and separated through manual human manipulation of one or both of the first portion and the second portion to move the first and second portions between separated and joined positions.